Frequently Asked Questions

CHANGES TO WASTE SERVICE - Beginning May 16, 2022
Correction to WM Flyer: Please send emails to CustomerServiceRS_GLA@wm.com.


*UPDATED* Which items are considered as unacceptable materials by Waste Management?

  • Batteries
  • Auto parts
  • Hot coals and ashes
  • Pool chemicals
  • Paint (wet)
  • Lighter fluid
  • Fireworks
  • Propane tanks
  • Lithium and ion rechargeable batteries
  • Electronics


Why are changes being made to trash service?
Since 2013, Brownstown had been locked into a long-term contract with Waste Management which provided a relatively high level of pickup service at a significantly lower rate than many communities in the region. This contract expired and a new contract had to be secured.

It quickly became evident that the costs of this service have increased significantly over the last 10 years. If the same service model were to be continued, the cost charged to residents was going to increase considerably.

After reviewing options the decision was made to do what many other communities in the region have done and adjust our service model to strike a balance between level of service and cost to residents. This decision limited the increased costs to residents, and allowed for some flexibility in service level, depending on the needs of each household.

What is “regular” trash pickup?
Residential household waste is collected once per week. View the Waste Collection Map to determine your trash collection days.

“Regular” pickup is as many bags that can fit into the 96-gallon can.  No loose trash inside cart; all trash must be bagged. No overflowing containers or materials placed on top of lid; lid must be closed.

For more details, visit our Waste Service Collection page.

What is a Bulk Item pickup?
Each household is allowed one bulk item each week at no additional cost.  A separate truck and crew will pick up your bulk item. Bulk pickup must be arranged 48-hours in advance of your trash day by contacting WM Customer service at CustomerServiceRS_GLA@wm.com or 1-866-797-9018.   When a resident submits a bulk pickup request via email; a Waste Management agent will schedule the bulk pickup and reply back with confirmation information including a ticket number.

Examples of bulk items: Box springs and mattress (equals one bulk Item), hot water tank, piece of furniture, or non-Freon appliance.   Note:  A mattress and/or box spring must now be wrapped for pickup or it may be tagged.  

What if I am exceeding my 96-gallon can on a regular basis?
Additional carts are available for rent thru WM at a cost of $9.60 per month (for 2022). To set up a rental account, contact WM at 1-866-797-9018.

Can I use containers other than the carts provided by Waste Management?
No. Waste Management carts are specifically designed for pick up by the WM automated collection trucks.

What if my trash cart gets damaged?
Contact Waste Management at 866-797-9018 to request a replacement.

How do I dispose of my Christmas Tree?
Beginning the last week of December 2022 through the month of February 2023, Christmas trees will be collected by the WM bulk truck. To accommodate all routes in your area, the final day for Christmas tree collection will be Friday, March 3, 2023.

Christmas trees must be free of decorative items and unbagged. Those taller than six feet must be cut into segments six feet or less in length and placed next to your WM trash cart no later than 7:00 a.m. on your collection day. One tree per household will be collected each week.

Christmas trees disposed of within the allotted collection window will not be counted as your single weekly bulk item. Any trees requiring collection after Friday, March 3, 2023, will be considered a bulk item and should be scheduled with WM Customer Service accordingly.

2022 Holiday Season Accommodations for Increased Waste
Starting Monday, December 19, 2022, and concluding Friday, January 6, 2023, WM will expand collection parameters to accommodate increased waste during the holiday season.

Up to three additional bags may be placed outside your trash cart for pick-up on your collection day. These bags will not be considered bulk and do not count as your single weekly bulk item; however, any bags beyond the limit will be treated as bulk and should follow standard scheduling protocol.

What about paint?
Latex paint must be completely dried up. Fill paint cans to the rim with kitty litter, sawdust, or sand and stir until hardened. You must call it in as a bulk item 48-hours prior to your collection day at 1-866-797-9018. 

Oil-based paint is not collected.  Wayne County hosts several hazardous waste collection events throughout the year for oil-based paint and other hazardous items. Visit Wayne County Land Resource Management for upcoming collection events.

Freon item?
Items with Freon will be picked up by WM at an additional charge of $55 per item per pickup.  You must call it in as a bulk item 48-hours prior to your collection day at 1-866-797-9018.

Shred items?
The Township and WM host an annual one-day shred event for Township residents. This event is usually held in September (tentatively) on the Township Hall campus at 21313 Telegraph Road.  Proof of residency is required.  The shred limit is 5 banker box size boxes of shred items.

(The event date will be posted to the Calendar when available.)

Clean-up weeks?
Each year the Township has cleanup weeks.  Typically this is the first two full weeks of May.  This is two weeks where additional bags outside the 96-gallon cart are permitted at no extra cost.  It also includes renovation material and one Freon item at no cost.  It does not include shingles, auto parts, batteries, yard waste or any other prohibited item.

(The event date will be posted to the Calendar when available.)

What do I do if I miss my pick-up?
Contact Waste Management Customer Service at 1-866-797-9018.

How does recycling work?
Curbside collection of recycling items is once every other week. For more information, including your recycling bi-weekly schedule, please visit the WM Collection Recycling page.

What about yard waste?
Yard waste is collected once per week, from the first full week in April through the first full week in December. Please do not place yard waste out before or after these dates, it cannot be collected.  For specific details, visit the Yard Waste Program page.

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21313 TELEGRAPH RD BROWNSTOWN MI 48183

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